refined; refining
1
: to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
2
: to free from moral imperfection : elevate
3
: to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
refine a poetic style
4
: to reduce in vigor or intensity
5
: to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth
1
: to become pure or perfected
2
: to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions
refiner
noun
Examples of refine in a Sentence
The inventor of the machine spent years refining the design.
The class is meant to help you refine your writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web
The third-year students spent nearly a year developing and refining the engine, which runs through continuous rotating explosions in a circular chamber.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 2026
Once a no-frills staple perched at the edge of the marina, the new version will nod to its roots while refining the experience.
—Jesse Scott, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
With time, the silhouettes have become more refined, the linings and footbeds more comfortable.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 18 May 2026
Over the last year the team has refined the name, the product mix and the look of what Hank will be, Purkis said.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
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Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 2026
Once a no-frills staple perched at the edge of the marina, the new version will nod to its roots while refining the experience.
—Jesse Scott, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
With time, the silhouettes have become more refined, the linings and footbeds more comfortable.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 18 May 2026
Over the last year the team has refined the name, the product mix and the look of what Hank will be, Purkis said.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for refine
Cite this Entry
“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
refine
verb
re·fine
ri-ˈfīn 
refined; refining
1
: to come or bring to a pure state
refine sugar
2
: to make or become improved
3
: to free from what is vulgar
4
: to improve by introducing something that makes a small difference
refined upon the older methods
refiner
noun
Medical Definition
refine
transitive verb
re·fine
ri-ˈfīn
refined; refining
: to free (as sugar or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
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